The Wedding -- The Ceremony!!!

The weather cleared up, stayed cool and overcast, perfect for photos. The only evidence of the rain, besides the occasional puddle, was the sinking of my heels anytime I stepped off the path at Assiniboine Park.

Pier and Nathan traveled from Australia, as did some of Nathan's family and friends, including his parents. Holding the wedding in Winnipeg made it possible for guests to attend who might otherwise have not been able to, had they gotten married either down under, or somewhere in the middle. Marc thought Hawaii would have been a nice, central location. But in the end, many of us journeyed to Winnipeg to be with them on their special day. We would have traveled anywhere.

The ceremony was at 4 p.m. in the Leo Mol sculpture gardens, but even the beauty of that setting was diminished by the beauty of the bride. Breathtakingly beautiful and so obviously happy and in love!

Marc snapped this one as they were preparing to make their walk together.

Manon, beautiful sister, beautiful maid of honour.

I love this photo, which actually features all three Nathans: way back on the left, Nathan the best man, who traveled from AU to be with his mate, Nathan the groom, looking dashingly handsome in his wedding finery, Nathan the brother of the bride, all suited up to celebrate. Three blue-eyed Nathans, all at the same wedding. What are the odds of that?

Here comes the bride. And her proud Papa!

We were seated under a pergola, on the other side of this body of water, and we watched them walk 'round and come up behind us.

Even more beautiful close up!

They might have looked a little bit nervous, but they looked a lot more happy!

And in love.

Making it official.

The coloured sand on the table is the result of pouring from four different vessels of sand, each a different colour, each representing the four members of this family united as one.

Friday Morning in Winnipeg

Today was the wedding day. We were awakened by the sound of thunder around 6 a.m. My first thought was of Pier, and what she must be thinking right now. The ceremony was set for 4 p.m. OUTSIDE.

While it looked pretty bleak and wet outside, the forecast was for it to clear up around midday, and stay that way until the next system moved in, late evening.  We could only hope. And pray.

In the meantime, I had made plans to meet for breakfast with my potluck girlfriends. Those who could make it. Tracey of course is in Texas, but the others remain in Winnipeg. Funny enough, while I had made my way north, two of the four were heading south, to Wisconsin and Minnesota, for the weekend.

We had decided on Friday morning in the hopes that those leaving town might still be around. I was thrilled that they had rearranged their schedules and taken time off work so we could be together. The last time I saw them was Christmas of 2008. So we were long overdue.

We met at Monique's new house, at 8:30. Patti wasn't able to join us as she was facing the longer drive south. But Bonnie and Brenda would be there. I got there first and got the tour, since I was the only one who hadn't yet seen the new place.

Monique made her famous quiche, Bonz made chocolate rolls, like cinnamon rolls but with gooey chocolate instead! And Brenda brought croissants and homemade jam. Homemade by her?? She says.

The tall cool beverage was also by Bonz, but I can't remember what it was. I remember that it was yummy! Everything was!

But was even better was the company. Catching up. Lots of laughing together. And a few tears.

We've been friends for over 20 years. We started meeting for potluck dinners every month or two. Almost 10 years after we had started out potlucks, I moved to PA. Two years later, Trac moved to TX. The potlucks still go on in Winnipeg, without us. We haven't been replaced, though they keep threatening! We do try to get together whenever we get back, and we did finally take to the road almost 2 years ago. Everyone came to PA, and we did day trips, one of which included NYC, which we dubbed Six in the City!

We had such an amazing time, that day and that weekend! We've all agreed that we need to do it again, but if it took us over 20 years to get it together the first time, I'm not sure when we'll be traveling together again.

That's our background. Our history.

Back to breakfast. The girls surprised me with a gift. A beautiful gift of a necklace, which I'll have to photograph and share. It's silver and can be worn two ways. I prefer displaying the side featuring the word faith. And a mustard seed.

This is where I explain the significance of this gift. And link my two blogs. My second blog, here that I started shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, on April 16th.

The necklace was a thoughtful reminder of their love and support of my fight. A fight which I know I'll win. I can't lose, with people like these behind me!

I should mention that the day before we left for Winnipeg, I got an email from my friend and neighbor Elise, who informed me that my friends from Winnipeg, these girls and of course Trac in TX, and I found out later, my sister, had arranged for house cleaning, starting while we were away.

I've mentioned on my other blog and intend to elaborate on the subject shortly, the outpouring of love and support since my diagnosis. I had surgery on May 11th and when we left for Winnipeg two weeks later, hadn't prepared a meal. Gifts of floral arrangements, books, tasty treats, a prayer shawl from ladies at my church -- I've been showered with these, as well as cards and emails.

I certainly wasn't expecting anything more than good food and good company. The necklace was a surprise, but a surprise I treasure, and have been wearing every day.

Funny story about the mustard seed, is that Brenda was the only one who could recall the bible story at the time. I had brought copies of Elise's new book, Unhaling for everyone. (Trac, still haven't mailed yours -- sorry!) Brenda emailed me shortly after to let me know the mustard seed was mentioned in one of Elise's stories. Interesting coincidence.

I am so thankful for these girls. For their friendship. Their love, generosity, kindness, support, sense of humour, honesty and understanding. And that they're all fabulous cooks!

I am so thankful that we were able to spend time together. When you're far away and in trouble of sorts, you can tell everyone you're OK. But really, the proof is in the hugs.

Bonnie, Brenda, Monique, Patti, Tracey, I can't thank you enough. I love you guys!!

52 Lists for 2010 - List 23

Can't believe I'm this excited about getting back on track and actually posting this on a Monday! You can't see the state of my house, yard and to-do list though. Something's always gotta give!

For this week, list your favourite restaurants.

I was planning to use a take out menu as my base, and a nice shiny blue take out pizzeria menu appeared in today's mail. I tore a few select pieces and glued them onto a cardboard base. Sanded both sides and applied a light coat of gesso. Some bits of ribbon, paint chips and other stuff, SU words stamps and a the tea stamps by PTI. The heart stamps are SU too. Done before sunset so I can photograph it outside!

Another one of those lists I can think on and add to! 

Check out our Flickr group to see what others have been up to. Join us if you'd like. The more the merrier!!

What we did with 4 1/2 days in Winnipeg!

We usually visit Winnipeg in the summer or at Christmas. We're usually there for a week in the winter, close to two in the summer. Visiting in May is unheard of, especially now that Nick is in high school. He can fall behind too quickly. Gone are the days of pulling the kids out of school to join Marc on a business trip, or to extend a trip to Winnipeg.

This trip was special, and we were going to cram every bit of fun into those 4 1/2 days. We were there to celebrate Pier and Nathan's wedding, and the first birthday of their beautiful twins! It was also nice to get there within a week of my Dad's birthday. We're not usually together on the 21st of May anymore!

Our visit started with a bit of excitement. Of course. Never a dull moment with the Pelletiers.

I hope Gaby's not too embarassed with this story, but at least I know not to embarass her further with pictures! Gaby has always had a thing for visiting restrooms, public or private, wherever we are. This started once she was out of diapers and continues today. She went at the airport in Philly, on the plane to the Twin Cities, at the airport in Minneapolis, and on the flight to Winnipeg. While picking up our rental car in Winnipeg, I had to go, and she joined me. We like to do the girlfriend thing -- when one of us has to go, the other goes along! While sitting side by side with a wall between us, she yelled out that I had to look at her stomach. There was something on it.

For some reason I had pictured squashed food. A bit of something that we had munched on during the flight, that had made it's way down her shirt and had become smooshed against her tummy. She had had the opportunity to glance at her belly several times that morning, so I wasn't expecting anything dramatic. I was shocked when she lifted her shirt and was covered with spots! Her back too!

Since we had stayed in a hotel the night before, I considered the possibility of bed bugs. But I thought the pattern of the bites wasn't that which was usually associated with bed bugs. She's had a shot for chicken pox, but sometimes kids still get them.

Once we got to my Mom and Dad's, Gab jumped in the shower, lathered, soaped, shampooed, and put on all clean clothes. We tried to reach our newly minted doctor Manon, but couldn't.

I made a quick run to the grocery store with my Mom, and when we returned, Gaby was beside herself, as the possibility of chicken pox had been tossed about, and with that, the possibility of quarantine. No contact with the twins, hiding out in a corner at the wedding. To say she was not a happy camper is an understatement! I was upset, worried and so sad for Gaby.

I called our pediatrician's office. They confirmed no spike in chicken pox cases, but certainly couldn't rule it out for Gaby. They said someone had to see her to diagnose. A call to our health insurance company, cuz that's what you do in the US. We're only covered for emergencies out of the country, and if we considered this an emergency, then we should seek treatment.

In the meantime, we had photographed Gab's spots to email to Manon, Pier,  and their Mom Louise, who is a nurse. And the girls had returned, so Marc was on the phone with them. Manon's questions led her to ask if Gaby's spots followed the lines of a bathing suit. They did -- the one piece that she had worn several days earlier, several times. While frolicking in the hot tub that was being filled, heated, drained, and repeated. Part of breaking in the tub. And the water wasn't being treated. It appeared she had picked up some sort of skin affliction from bacteria in the water. Louise's brother, a doctor, also looked at the pictures, and, while not happy with diagnosing via the internet, did concur, based on what he saw, and her symptoms. No itch, a bit sore. Not spreading. He prescribed an antibiotic and topical antibiotic.

Gaby was on top of the world! Her mood did a complete one eighty! Seemed strange that someone would be so excited about living with spots for several days, but all she cared about was that she wasn't contagious. That she could hang out with the bubs. And that she would celebrate with everyone else at Pier and Nate's wedding!

And we did!!

Thursday, our first full day in Winnipeg, we left my parents' house to get to Marc's sister Louise's house for 9 a.m. She lives closer to Pier's Mom, so it was easier to Pier and Nathan to get the bubs to us that way, rather than driving across the city. They had errands in that end of town, so keeping the babysitters in that end made sense. And we would have driven anywhere for that time with them!

Even though we've seen photos and skyped, it was still a surprise to see them in person. How much they'd grown! More hair, more teeth, more bubs! So adorable! And so sweet!

Leaving us with instructions for naps and meals, Pier and Nathan couldn't stay for long, and the kids didn't seem to mind. A bit of a whimper from Kai, and that was it. And within a half hour . . .

. . . his morning nap atop Uncle Nick!

Grabbing some snuggles with Grand Pere.

Playing with Aunt Gaby.

Wakey wakey cutie pie!

She loves to walk with others, while her brother's already getting around on four or two, on his own!

Lovin' that smile!

More floor fun!

Pier said to just put them in the stroller for their naps, rock it a bit if they fussed, and they'd fall asleep. She knows what she's talking about!

I love the casual, arms behind the head position. They were both doing it, just not at the same time. Are they not the cutest?!

The pace wore some of us out. He's pretty cute sleeping too, isn't he?!

We had SO much fun hanging with the bubs! They're cute, sweet, funny, cuddly, easy going, adorable, and oh so much fun! And I realized how much they're just like their parents in that they're already the kind of people that others love to be around. We love them all, so much!

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4 hours in NYC

Two Saturdays ago, Marc and I drove up to NYC for dinner. His sister Louise, her husband Gord, and Gord's sister Barb were there for the Victoria Day weekend. They had arrived Friday and were returning to Canada on Monday. While we had considered an overnight while they were there, we realized there was too much going on that weekend, with Nick's confirmation and soccer, so we decided to just drive up for a dinner date.

The weather was iffy, potential rain in the forecast. Rather than the train, Marc figured we'd be OK driving all the way into midtown on a Saturday. By we, I mean him! I've driven in NYC once in my life, and that was enough. The drivers, the cabs, the honking and my lack of knowledge of the city made for a stressful drive, so I've never wanted to do it again.

Marc is one of those people who can visit a place once, return five years later, and is still able to find his way around. I'm one of those people who visits a store in a mall and gets disoriented coming out! So driving in NYC isn't for me. But Marc's been there many times and knows it well.

At the last minute we decided to take Marc's little yellow convertible (we call it his mid-life crisis car!) It was fun, but I needed one of those Grace Kelly scarves wrapped around my head. I had the sunglasses, but nothing for my hair, which was well on its way to forming its own dreads by the time we got there!

Once we got into Manhattan, it was really fun cruising around -- like being on a double decker bus tour, but in a yellow car that kind of blended with all of the taxis! We drove to Central Park, as that's where Louise, Gord and Barb were. Of course when we found them we just stopped for a couple of minutes and finalized our dinner plans. Street parking is just about impossible!

I loved driving around with an unobstructed view. Snapping interesting people pictures and just driving on. Of course right now I don't remember where any of those photos are. I'll have to go through them to see if there's anything worth sharing!

This is what is always looks like when you're driving here. Yellow cabs converging in front of you, from both sides. ALL the time!

We parked near the restaurant Asia de Cuba  Marc has dined here several times. Me, never, but I've seen the menu and was looking forward to it.

We walked back to Time Square. The hotel where Louise, Gord and Barb were staying was there.

(Being tourists, if only for a few hours!)

We all walked back to the restaurant together, and met with blank stares when we provided our reservation information. I know I had just made the reservation that afternoon, but they didn't indicate there would be a problem with such short notice! When I had called earlier, they had asked if we were attending the theatre that evening, which some of us were, so I had made the reservation for when they opened, 5:30. For some reason they had us down for 6:15. They did seat us close to our expected time, and most of the seats around us remained empty until well into our dinner. Perhaps staffing was the issue!? But that was the only hiccup. The food was fabulous and I would definitely go back!!

But even better than the food, was the company. Marc kept us all in stitches!

Dinner was over too soon. At 7:15 we parted ways so they could get to their 8:00 show. 

And, just like the drive there, we were home in record time. Even stopping for gas on the Jersey turnpike, we were home before 9. That's because Marc was driving! Me behind the wheel -- different story!

A couple of weeks back . . .

It was still May and we were preparing to travel to Winnipeg for Pier and Nathan's wedding. Well, the wedding was a week ago and we've since returned to home, Roxi and our routine! Just a few photos from that week in May.

The Flyers are now competing for the Stanley Cup, but when they were still in the semi-finals, Gaby's school had a Flyers Day. She always loves an excuse to dress up or dress outrageously!!

Sunday the 23rd was Nick's confirmation. With all of the preparation involved in the two years leading up to it, I think Nick was just glad to have it behind him. It was a special morning.

Nick and his sponsor.

Monday was our book club meeting. This month's selection was The Girls, a book about conjoined twins. Julie decided to cleverly tie it in by hosting the meeting where she works, Moss Rehab. There was an art exhibit there All About Art  We toured the exhibit, displays of art by world class artists with physical disabilities. We then held our discussion in the board room. Julie and some other members are great at interpreting our books and incorporating things from them into our meetings. Me, I just like to find the latest and greatest goodies to try, from Trader Joe's. When we discussed the book The Help, which takes place in the south in the 60's, Kathy put together a selection of yummy munchies from that era. While no one complains when it's my turn to host,  I think we all look forward some meetings more than others!

52 Lists for 2010 - List 22

Back in the US, back to being only 1 day late instead of 2!

This week's list is the people I've lived with. Basically, the family I grew up with, the family I'm raising, and some odds and ends in between!

On both the front and back I used SU stamps and new Sakura glaze pens. I read about them on Julie F-F B's blog, and they sounded like fun. Since AC Moore had them, I was able to pick up a pack using a 50% off coupon. They only carried one colour variety -- I think the other set would have been my first choice, but that didn't stop me! I'll be on the lookout for that set. I can see myself using these alot.

Most of my childhood I was mistaken for a boy. No surprise!